Clay County honors National POWMIA Recognition Day with military tributes
September 13, 2022 | Clay County, Florida
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The Clay County Board of County Commissioners held a significant meeting on September 13, 2022, where they proclaimed September 16 as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This annual observance, established by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, honors American prisoners of war and those missing in action, acknowledging the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and their families.
During the meeting, two distinguished military veterans, Colonel William G. Burns and Captain Dale V. Rabel, were recognized for their service. Colonel Burns, a former Vietnam POW, shared his experiences of being shot down and held captive for 309 days. Captain Rabel, who served 32 years in the Navy, was also captured during a mission in Vietnam and spent 225 days in captivity. Their stories highlighted the resilience and courage of those who have served in the armed forces.
The proclamation read by the commissioners emphasized the importance of remembering the over 83,000 Americans still unaccounted for from various conflicts. It called for the community to honor these heroes and their families, who live with the uncertainty of their loved ones' fates. The motion to adopt the proclamation passed unanimously, reinforcing the county's commitment to remembering and honoring those who have sacrificed for freedom.
In addition to the POW/MIA recognition, the meeting also proclaimed September 18-24 as BASCA Awareness Week. BASCA, which stands for Building Abilities of Special Children and Adults, has been serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Northeast Florida since 1995. The organization aims to improve the quality of life for these individuals and promote their inclusion in the community. The week will culminate in a 5K run, walk, and roll event, further raising awareness and support for individuals with unique abilities.
The discussions and proclamations from this meeting reflect Clay County's dedication to honoring its veterans and supporting individuals with disabilities, fostering a community that values service, sacrifice, and inclusivity.
During the meeting, two distinguished military veterans, Colonel William G. Burns and Captain Dale V. Rabel, were recognized for their service. Colonel Burns, a former Vietnam POW, shared his experiences of being shot down and held captive for 309 days. Captain Rabel, who served 32 years in the Navy, was also captured during a mission in Vietnam and spent 225 days in captivity. Their stories highlighted the resilience and courage of those who have served in the armed forces.
The proclamation read by the commissioners emphasized the importance of remembering the over 83,000 Americans still unaccounted for from various conflicts. It called for the community to honor these heroes and their families, who live with the uncertainty of their loved ones' fates. The motion to adopt the proclamation passed unanimously, reinforcing the county's commitment to remembering and honoring those who have sacrificed for freedom.
In addition to the POW/MIA recognition, the meeting also proclaimed September 18-24 as BASCA Awareness Week. BASCA, which stands for Building Abilities of Special Children and Adults, has been serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Northeast Florida since 1995. The organization aims to improve the quality of life for these individuals and promote their inclusion in the community. The week will culminate in a 5K run, walk, and roll event, further raising awareness and support for individuals with unique abilities.
The discussions and proclamations from this meeting reflect Clay County's dedication to honoring its veterans and supporting individuals with disabilities, fostering a community that values service, sacrifice, and inclusivity.
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